Local politicians in Peachland, B.C. have reversed course and agreed to let a grieving woman attach flowers to the memorial bench for her slain daughter.
Charrie Fichter had been leaving the flowers to honour her child, Ashlee Hyatt, for years before recently being told that it violates a district bylaw.
"I've harmed nobody," she told CTV News earlier this month.
City councillors voted multiple times to uphold the bylaw, despite a petition signed hundreds of times supporting Fichter and her family, but brought the matter to another vote Tuesday and decided to grant an exemption specific to Hyatt's bench.
Some had expressed concerns that if the bylaw were changed, more and more people would want to start leaving sentimental items in public places.
Hyatt was stabbed to death at a house party in June 2010 at the age of 16, a senseless tragedy that shook the small community. Her killer, who was a minor at the time, was sentenced to 18 months in custody.
